As the 2025 T20 Asia Cup approaches, cricketing superpowers Bangladesh and Afghanistan have announced their probable squads. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 24-member preliminary squad ahead of the T20 series against the Netherlands and the Asia Cup 2025. The selections indicate a balance between young and experienced players, with the selectors banking on consistent performances both at home and overseas.
Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Saif Hasan have been rewarded for their recent performances. Despite a slightly lukewarm showing against Pakistan, Naim Sheikh has retained the selectors’ faith, while Soumya Sarkar is making a comeback after missing the last tour, raising hopes of his potential return to the national T20 squad. Bangladesh will try hard to win the tournament. They have been the runner-ups three times but have not been able to lift the trophy.
Key members of Bangladesh’s batting core—Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Tauheed Hridoy, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz—are also included in the lineup, ensuring continuity and stability in the top order. The players have been asked to report to Mirpur on August 6 for an initial fitness camp, with skill-based sessions starting from August 15. A full-fledged preparatory camp will commence in Sylhet on August 20, providing the team with ample time to get into the groove ahead of the crucial matches.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also laid out its roadmap for the 2025 T20 season by announcing a 22-member provisional squad led by the talismanic Rashid Khan. The team will participate in the upcoming tri-series and the Asia Cup, both of which are scheduled to be held in the UAE. The team will undergo an intense two-week training camp as the Afghan team looks to capitalize on its traditional strength—spin bowling. This will be a crucial tournament for them.
Afghanistan Squad
Rashid Khan (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Bashir Ahmad.
Afghanistan Schedule in the Asia Cup 2025
- September 9 – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi
- September 16 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi
- September 18 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi
Also Read: Will India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match Go On as Scheduled? Here’s What the UAE Official Said
Bangladesh Squad
Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Saif Hassan.
Bangladesh Schedule in the Asia Cup 2025
- September 11 – Bangladesh vs Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi
- September 13 – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi
- September 16 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi